C.A.R.E. Middle School

What is C.A.R.E.?

There are three Centers for Academic Re-entry and Empowerment (CARE) programs in different parts of San Francisco. These programs are a partnership between the San Francisco County Office of Education (part of SFUSD) and the Y of San Francisco. The Buchanan YMCA has one small high school. There is another high school and middle school campus in the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA. The CARE programs serve students who have missed significant amounts of school or who have dropped out entirely. 

What are the requirements to enroll, and with whom does C.A.R.E. work?

• C.A.R.E. serves all middle and high school students. The middle school serves primarily 7th and 8th graders, though there are some 6th graders.
• C.A.R.E. also serves students who are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, recommended for expulsion, or chronically and severely truant with shared documented interventions.
• Most students are recommended by a Case Manager or Probation Officer. However, students and families can work with their School Counselor to complete a formal referral process. A County Form must be completed and submitted to the transfer panel (transferpanel@sfusd.edu). A referral does not equal or mean a school placement. An exploratory must be completed before a student is enrolled in the program. 
• The exploratory process involves a student and caregiver intake and safety assessment to ensure the services best suit the student and family. Students and families opt into the program (not mandated). 

What classes are offered?

• Classes include all middle school classes: English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, P.E., and Advisory.  Electives are also offered.
• C.A.R.E. offers a one-room schoolhouse model with one General Education Teacher and a Special Education Teacher.  
• YMCA staff and an SFUSD School Counselor/Social Worker offer Advisory classes in partnership with other Community-Based Organizations.

How long do students typically stay?

• There is no maximum stay.  Most students typically attend for one semester.  Each student's transition plan is developed individually with input from both the student and the family.

What other services are available through the YMCA?

• Regular field trips inside and outside of San Francisco 
• Case Management
• Resources and referrals for families